Car Hire at Ubon Ratchathani Airport
Welcome to Ubon Ratchathani Airport, your gateway to one of Thailand’s most authentic and underexplored regions. Located in the heart of Isan, Thailand’s northeastern plateau, this small but efficient airport puts you within striking distance of some truly spectacular places that most tourists never get to see. And that’s exactly why renting a car here is such a smart move — public transport in this part of Thailand can be slow, infrequent, and frankly, a bit of a hassle if you’re trying to pack a lot into a few days.
Ubon Ratchathani province borders the Mekong River and Laos, which means you’ve got ancient temples, dramatic river views, national parks, and some of the best food in Thailand all within a couple of hours’ drive. The airport itself is conveniently located just a short drive from the city center, making it an ideal starting point for your Isan adventure. Whether you’re here for the famous Candle Festival, to explore the rock formations at Pha Taem, or simply to experience the genuine warmth of Isan culture, having your own wheels gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Picking Up Your Rental Car
Ubon Ratchathani Airport is compact and easy to navigate, which is honestly a blessing when you’re tired from a flight and just want to get on the road. The car rental counters are located in the main terminal building — just look for the signs after you’ve collected your luggage. Most major rental companies have a presence here, including Avis, Budget, and several local operators. I’d recommend booking in advance through 365carhire.com, especially during peak travel periods like the Candle Festival in July, when availability can get tight.
The pickup process is generally straightforward. You’ll need your passport, a valid driving license (an International Driving Permit is officially required for foreign visitors, though enforcement can be inconsistent), and the credit card used for your booking. The rental staff here tend to be friendly and patient, but having all your documents ready speeds things up considerably. Once you’ve signed the paperwork, your car will usually be waiting in the airport’s small parking area just outside the terminal — no shuttle buses needed here, which is a nice touch.
Before you drive off, do yourself a favor and inspect the car thoroughly. Take photos of any existing scratches or dents, and make sure the rental agent notes them on your agreement. The roads around Ubon can be a bit rough in places, so having that documentation protects you later. Also, ask the staff to show you how the GPS or navigation system works if your rental includes one — not all road signs are in English, and having Thai-language navigation can be surprisingly helpful.
Where to Go
Ubon Ratchathani City Center (15 minutes, 5 km) — Your first stop should probably be the city itself. It’s a quick drive via Highway 2310, and you’ll find plenty of accommodation, restaurants, and the famous Wat Thung Si Wilai temple with its beautiful wooden library on stilts. The night market near Thung Sri Mueang Park is perfect for sampling local Isan dishes like som tam and grilled chicken.
Pha Taem National Park (1.5 hours, 90 km) — This is the big one. Pha Taem is famous for its 3,000-year-old cliff paintings and stunning sunrise views over the Mekong River. Take Highway 2050 east, then follow signs to the park. The drive takes you through rural villages and rice paddies — properly scenic. Try to arrive before dawn for the sunrise, and don’t miss the Sao Chaliang rock formations while you’re there.
Sam Pan Bok (2 hours, 120 km) — Often called the “Grand Canyon of Thailand,” this massive rock formation carved by the Mekong is absolutely worth the drive. Head north via Highway 2050 and 2112. The best time to visit is during the dry season (November to May) when water levels are low and you can walk through the canyon. In the rainy season, it’s completely underwater!
Kaeng Tana National Park (45 minutes, 35 km) — A shorter drive that’s perfect for your first afternoon. Take Highway 217 south to see the Kaeng Tana rapids and the giant Khong Jiam rock. There’s a lovely suspension bridge over the Mun River, and the area is great for a picnic if you’ve packed some snacks from the city.
Sirindhorn Dam (1 hour, 60 km) — This massive dam on the Lam Dom Noi River creates a beautiful reservoir surrounded by forested hills. The drive south on Highway 217 is pleasant, and you can rent boats at the reservoir to explore the flooded valleys. It’s also a popular spot for cycling if you’ve got the energy.
Tips for Driving
Driving in Thailand means driving on the left, which takes a moment to adjust to if you’re from a right-hand-drive country. The roads around Ubon are generally in decent condition, especially the main highways, but be prepared for the occasional pothole, wandering livestock, and motorbikes appearing from nowhere. It’s just part of the experience here.
Speed limits are typically 60 km/h in built-up areas and 90-120 km/h on highways, though you’ll notice that local drivers often exceed these. My advice? Take it easy. You’re on holiday, and the scenery is worth paying attention to. Also, watch out for speed bumps — they appear suddenly, especially near villages, and hitting one at speed is a great way to spill your coffee (or worse).
The rainy season runs roughly from May to October, and when it rains here, it really rains. Roads can flood quickly, and visibility drops dramatically. If you’re driving during this period, allow extra time and avoid driving at night if possible. The dry season (November to April) is much more pleasant for road trips, with cooler temperatures and clear skies.
One final tip: fuel stations are plentiful in and around Ubon city, but they become sparser once you’re out in the national park areas. Fill up before you head out on longer drives, and keep some snacks and water in the car — you never know when you’ll stumble upon a viewpoint that’s too good to pass by quickly.
Ready to explore Isan on your own terms? Book your car hire at Ubon Ratchathani Airport through 365carhire.com today and start planning your adventure through one of Thailand’s most welcoming and unspoiled regions.